Golf authorities announced last week a proposed rule to ban any form of 'anchored' putting stroke from 2016, although 'long-handled' and 'belly' putters themselves would not be outlawed.

However, the news looks to have prompted Scott into making a rapid change of equipment with the 32-year-old turning up for this week's tournament on home soil without the broomstick that he has been using for the past 18 months.

Scott was first spotted on the practice green using a traditional short putter with a slightly extended shaft and he then took that club out on to course and used it during his practice round.

The Queenslander employed a claw-style grip with his bottom hand (see photo), with his other hand separated towards the top of the grip in order to produce a technique similar to the one he employed with the broomstick.

However, there was a clear gap between the end of the putter and his body, meaning the stroke would be lawful under the proposed guidelines.

Scott had previously stated that he would continue to use his long putter next year after having notable success with it since switching, but now appears to have changed his mind.